Alex Runarsson has been left out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad for the knock-out stages, replaced in the goalkeeping line-up by January arrival Mat Ryan.
The Icelandic international made four appearances in the group stages, keeping two clean sheets along the way, but restrictions on non-homegrown players have seen him excluded as Mikel Arteta has plumped for the more experienced option.
Runarsson made his Premier League debut last night in the 2-1 win over Wolves, replacing Thomas Partey after Bernd Leno saw red for denying a goalscoring opportunity by handling outside his box.
Another January arrival, Martin Odegaard, has also been added to the squad, as has Gabriel Martinelli who was not named for the early stages of the competition as he recovered from a knee injury.
The departures of Shkodran Mustafi and Sead Kolasinac have created enough room in the squad for both of the attacking additions.
The Gunners face Benfica in the first knock-out round, in a game that may be decided over one leg due to Covid-19 restrictions and travel difficulties regarding trips to Portugal at this time.
It’s also possible that Benfica may play their home leg at neutral venue, and as it stands that tie is due to take place on February 18th.
Good news!
So is there a 3rd keeper and is it Onkwonkwo?
Hein, Hillson and Okwonko.
I actually had a fifa manager mode save as arsenal back in 2012 and scouted a keeper named onkwonko you know the ones with no game picture and he ended up being 91 ovr by 23 years old. Dunno if it’s a premonition. Probs not.
Okonkwo is the proper spelling.
It’s Okonkwo
Good news that we won the game last night! 🙂
That should have been the score.
my theory is that blogs saw the first 45 minutes and then had a mighty bowel motion that lasted until after full time. So when told the score, he made a natural conclusion.
🤣 Runarsson made his Premier League debut last night in the 2-1 win over Wolves
It must have been a bad dream i had that we lost then! Brilliant, much happier now!
So it was just a nightmare that an all-powerful SkyNet AI named VAR with Craig Pawson as the Terminator is bent on the destruction of Arsenal?
Oh fuck. You mean He’ll Be Back?
Tbf he didn’t concede either of those goals. You could argue that he was responsible for no further goals being scored…
At an absolute stretch!
I feel bad for him though, being bought by a club which is above his level (as it looks) and then being left out of the europa league squad the winter after. Could be a hard one to take, maybe even for his self-esteem.
If he has stayed in Dijon, he also wouldn’t have been in Europa League. Yes, it might be hard for him, but still after all he is at better place at Arsenal and has better conditions to learn and opportunities to show what he can do.
True, but he didn’t get off to the best start, and he clearly isn’t up to the job on the limited evidence so far. That’s why he should stay well away from PL and EL games unless it’s a dire emergency – and that’s dire with an uppercase “D”. After a run in the U23’s or wherever, then – perhaps – he’ll have improved sufficiently to be re-considered.
I dunno mate, he did alright last night, sure that will give him some confidence
What, passed a goal kick straight out for a corner, under no pressure? He’s useless, arrogant too, and a complete waste of a squad place. Inaki should never have any say in recruitment again, if he thinks Runarsson is a goalkeeper.
That’s kinda insulting.. hope he doesn’t take it too badly. I would have..
Bought in as No 2, now No. 6 keeper. It is certainly a bit of a smack in the face.
He’s not homegrown or whatever else, that’s why we have so many keepers in
Let’s not clutch our pearls too tight over Runarsson’s psyche. He needs to find a club at his level and I’m sure he knows it now.
We won yesterday. Wow what a nightmare dat was last night
Interesting how Willock made it in even though his on loan…
Yes, interesting that, especially as AMN isn’t there.
My guess is Willock is young enough to count as an u21 player and so doesn’t need to go on the A list but can be included on the unlimited B list, whereas AMN at 23 takes up a space?
Oof… timing of this announcement feels especially unfortunate with the lad looking likely he’ll be starting in the weekend
As I mentioned several games past this season is a wash out as far as league is concern. sure we should try our best to continue to play catch up but there are too many teams ahead with games in hand and we have flattered to deceive. The greater priority IMO is europa. Which is why this above additions will be important (particularly if we are facing one off as oppose to two leg games now) For league, we should be using it to develop the near future players. No extension on Luiz, what the fuck is Arteta thinking? As… Read more »
He stepped in reasonably well Runnarson (that said those saves should be made)
Hard to say what to do with him. BC Ryan no matter what is only on loan.
OTOH, I would be keeping a keen eye on on Aaron Ramsdale at Sheffield.
He’s had lots of practise this season and is a good frame, young.
If they make the drop, there will be reasons to consider him if price is right.
Tierney is a midfielder?!
Mustafi is on the UEFA list of not included players, same as AMN and Kola. Does this mean he’s actually officially on loan till the end of the season?
I think Arteta is doing a great job, the game against Wolves David Luis cost us the game.However we should of been 2/3 1st half. Luis is a great motivator and passionate about football , however 6 sending offs in 2 years is unacceptable. Arteta must consider the pros and cons of the player come the summer. Luckily Gabriel is a good replacemen, and with Thomas Partey improving each game it is not a big issue.Also Cedric,Holding and Bellerin are doing a great defensive job too. Is it worth keeping Luis on ? Has he learnt from 6 red cards?… Read more »
I agree that Runnarson is not suitable, but it may be all we have for Saturday.
we were never going to be much higher in the League just because Martinez would have been on the bench, or our first team keeper.
Martinez spent 9 years at Arsenal and several loan spells to get to a good level. He wanted first team football. he’s doing well at Villa, but yesterday he let two easy goals pass that cost his team.